T.J.I.F.A.
THANK JESUS IT’S FRIDAY AGAIN!
PASS IT ON . . . & ON . . . & ON . . . & ON
FRIDAY JUNE 25, 2010
FOURTH OF JULY – HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
GOD BLESS AMERICA, LAND THAT WE LOVE.

SUBJECT: ‘THE TITHE – A TENTH – TEN PERCENT’
DO YOU GIVE A TENTH? DID HE GIVE A TENTH? CALCULATE TEN PERCENT. NOTEWORTHY: PREVENTING DRUG ERRORS – PHARMACY
TJIFA’S BOOKSHELF: BOOK OF JONAH – A SIGN
REVELATION? WHERE IS YOUR FAITH? THE TEN VIRGINS
QUICK QUOTES: VARIOUS CONTRIBUTORS
MILLSTONE…FORBID THEM NOT! CARROTS, HOME GROWN – WHEW!
T.O.T.T.: WHAT’S NEXT TO DO? OSWALD CHAMBERS
TESTIMONY TIME: A SURVIVOR’S TESTIMONY BY L. L.
IN THE MIRROR: Q.– HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE ‘CHURCH?’
O TASTE& SEE! OLD FASHIONED TEA CAKES BMcC – ENJOY!
LOOKING FORWARD
SEE YA NEXT TIME!
TER& TJIFA STAFF
THE TITHE – A TENTH - 10%

Matthew 23:23-25 (KJV)
23”Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment,
mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and
excess.”
What is this Tithe? A tithe is a tenth or ten percent. We have conveniently made the tithe a tenth of our earnings, and grudgingly threw it into the
basket at church; but not without asking, “Gross or net?” We have also grudgingly given old, old clothes to the collection for the homeless. We have
given all of our canned pumpkin and okra to the Can Food Drive, and generously bought fresh chicken necks, feet, tails, and pig tails for the soup kitchen.
We have given the old shoes, and the battered coat off our racks. What have you given? Not one thing, that you would want to receive, you haven’t given
according to the Word of GOD.
You have calculated that which you have given away to import that which you feel that you should receive. (Give and it shall be given unto you pressed
down and running over shall men give into your bosom.) This is the quote that you ramble about as you barely pull a thread from your miserly wealth.
The one thing we know about giving is…GET! It is important to receive that which GOD intends for you; but are we supposed to stand around with eyes wide
open looking and looking around for it to manifest? If we believe GOD, our provision is secure.
It is not my intention to make anyone feel that your giving is being mocked. This article is bringing it right to your plate. Do you give that which
you want to receive? Who eats canned pumpkin? How many coats must you wear to keep warm from the clothing bank? Do you have to go back every month for
another pair of shoes, because the pair you received last month came apart the second day that you wore them? There is a hurt that accompanies this type
of giving; but it is the hurt of the recipient, rather than the giver.
There is power associated with yielding, giving, and loving. This power is recognized in the Book of Acts.

Acts 4:31-35 (KJV)
31”And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the
word of God with boldness.
32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his
own; but they had all things common.
33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that
were sold,
35And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”

Recently a noted Bible teacher spoke on this scripture. His realization was that this scripture could probably no longer be put into practice because of
the greed of our Churches, and the humanistic strife that must have more than his fellow man. (This is very probable.) Our carnal, devilish nature cannot
give away that which we would use or want; because you would elevate the recipient to your level. (What a selfish thought!) What other reason would there
be for not giving something that you would want to receive?
Do you trust GOD to provide for your every need? What if GOD gave to you what you grudgingly gave to Him? What if Jesus calculated His Torment and Suffering
by way of the Cross? He drank a bitter cup, gall, filth, dredges He who had never spoken a naughty word, drank your sin; but how about calculating ten
percent, a tenth.
Matthew 26:39 (KJV)
39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as
I will, but as thou wilt.
He drank it, all of it, not ten percent; but all of it . . .for us. Realize this! We weren’t even saved, we weren’t Christians. He drank that cup of
horrors for a wretched people. NOT TEN PERCENT – ALL! He gave His life so that you might . . . get; Free of sin, that binds you, free of fear that bounds
you, free of the life of striving and kicking against hurt filled circumstances. What is the Will of GOD? He wants you to give up this miserable life
that you’ve made for yourself, and take up His Life. Stop trying to figure out ten percent and give from your heart. Jesus calls this an ‘omitting of
the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith,’ this you should do, and not leave the other out (Matt.23:23).
Some believe that the New Testament doesn’t call for a tithe, or ten percent. They are right! Jesus wants everything you’ve got. Calculate that.
Judgment – Judge your heart as you calculate ten percent. Will this heart pass the judgment of Christ one day? Were there times when ten percent was
too great an amount because of the economy?
Mercy – How much Mercy was needed to give away that outdated can of pumpkin? Is this the Mercy you want from the Throne of Grace in your time of need?

Faith – Are you sure that He will supply all of your needs according to His riches in Glory? How much faith did it take to give away those worn out sport’s
shoes, and that ragged coat? Will He find faith when He comes?
Stop choking over that gnat, you’ve got camel’s hair all around your mouth, and on your napkin.
Looking Forward
See Ya Next Time!
TER “IT IS WELL, WITH MY SOUL”
A Christian hymn by Horatio G. Spafford & Phillip P. Bliss
(This is one verse from this soul stirring traditional hymn.)
“Lord haste the day, when the faith shall be sight.
The clouds be rolled back like a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend
Even so it is well with my soul.”

God does not need our money, but you and I need the experience of Giving.
James Dobson

NOTEWORTHY: PREVENTING DRUG ERRORS – PHARMACY (CON’T)
5 key questions for your doctor and pharmacist
1. What is this drug for?
2. How and when do I take this drug, and for how long?
3. Are there activities, drinks, foods, or medicine I should avoid while taking this drug?
4. Will this new prescription interfere with the other drugs and supplements I take?
5. What are the possible side effects, and what should I do if they occur?
At The Pharmacy
Going to just one pharmacy lowers the risk of errors. So try to pick one to serve as your main source of prescription drugs. The pharmacist there can track
all the prescription and OTC drugs you take and record your drug allergies and chronic health problems. That allows the pharmacist to look for potentially
dangerous interactions or inappropriate medications.
When picking up prescriptions, take these steps:
Make sure the drug is for you.
When you get your prescription, open the bag to see if you name is on the container.
The pharmacist should also check at least one other identifying piece of information, such as your birth date, address, or phone number.
Compare the label with what you were expecting. If the drug name, dosage, or purpose differs, ask why.
Compare refills to older prescriptions. Make sure that the color, markings, shape, and size of the pills are the same as the originals. If not, checks
with the pharmacist to make sure you’re getting the same medication (or a generic equivalent).
Read the drug's information sheet.
Do that before you leave the pharmacy, if possible, so you don't have to return or call with questions. Make sure that the drug actually treats your health
problem. If it doesn't, double-check with your doctor.
Get help for special needs. Ask for advice if you have trouble swallowing pills, reading labels, or remembering to use your medicine. Some pharmacies offer
large-print labels and instructions, vary containers to help you differentiate medicines, or add flavoring to make them taste better.
Ask the pharmacist for help with OTC drugs, too. That's especially important if you're an older person, have chronic health conditions, or take other medications
or supplements.
Read OTC product labels. Less than half of people check the label for the active ingredient, according to a survey conducted for the National Council on
Patient Information and Education. But it's vital, since it's easy to accidentally choose the wrong drug, in part because familiar brand names such as
Maalox and Tylenol often have multiple products with different ingredients. And it's easy to accidentally overdose, too, if you unknowingly take more than
one product with the same ingredient.
Note: This article carries more information on this vital issue on your health, and you can find it in the ; JUNE 2010 • Consumer Reports on Health
Submitted by: WHS (Keeping us safe)
TJIFA’S BOOKSHELF: THE BOOK OF JONAH — A SIGN
THE HOLY BIBLE
Come on board Readers. We’ve just completed the Book of Jonah. Remember the always told Bible Story of Jonah in the belly of the great fish, who lived
three days in the belly of the fish, long enough to be regurgitated onto the shores of Nineveh to preach to a disobedient and idolatrous nation? Did he?
Well, let’s see what our teacher, Dr. J. Vernon McGee is teaching about Jonah.
Dr. McGee reports that the great truth of the Book of Jonah, for Christians is not whether GOD can keep a man alive or not in a fish (if GOD be GOD, He
can keep him alive). That is not the question. The question is…did He, keep this man alive? If He did, that was not that great a miracle, because other
men have been kept alive in the belly of a fish. So being kept alive for three days wouldn’t qualify as a miracle.
If Jonah died, however, and GOD raised him from a dead watery grave, then we could say that indeed Jonah’s very existence after three days was a miracle.
His appearance was a great sign to the Ninevites.
Dr. McGee makes the suggestion that a man who has come back from death from that type of watery grave, had an appearance that the Ninevites couldn’t argue
with. In fact, Jonah’s preaching brought everyone in the city to repentance, and there has never been a revival like this one in all of history.
Our teacher makes the point that Paul in his teaching to the Corinthians, reminds them that Jesus rose from the grave just as the Scriptures had taught.

1Corinthians 15:1-7 (KJV)
1”Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2By which also ye are
saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto
this present, but some are fallen asleep.”
This is the Gospel. Our Salvation is supported by two great Truths.
1.) The death of the Lord Jesus Christ and
2.) The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Resurrection is crucially important, and the Book of Jonah is the one book in the Old Testament that teaches it.
We have treated this book like a real good fable, kind of not really believing it, and kind of making fun of this hard headed Prophet, Jonah; but isn’t
it strange that Jesus, Himself, refers to this small four chapter book in the Old Testament when He was asked by the Pharisees for a sign of His return.

Matthew 12:38-39 (KJV)
38”Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
9But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the
prophet Jonas:”

Jesus wasn’t saying that He would live, but die, for Jonah died in the belly of the great fish. It is easy for the apostate to argue that no man could
have died, and be raised again; but isn’t that just what Jesus has done? In His position, where the people didn’t believe that which they actually saw,
and found it easy to deny His claims to be the Son of GOD, how much easier for them to taunt Him and declare Him delusional if He had made it plain that
He was to be Resurrected . . . just like Jonah.
Dr. McGee states, “Why don’t we lift the Book of Jonah up to the higher place of dignity in our church, and not make it a fish story; for it is not that.
My how the enemy has detoured us — and let us exalt the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ today.”
(TTB Radio Broadcast, June 8, 2010, Dr. J. V. McGee.)
Readers, you are getting meat to chew. I pray that you will digest it with caution, so that it doesn’t wad in your belly.
The Truths that we have witnessed in these short encounters have been life changing.
My fondest desire is to see all of you …one day…in our heavenly home.
Looking Forward
TER
REVELATION? Where is your faith?
Matthew 25:11,12 (KJV)
11”Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”

Regarding the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13; they all looked alike. From the superficial, outward observation, they could all have gone into the Bridegroom’s
feast…But there was a difference that could not be seen. It was the true belief that the Bridegroom was coming back. The five wise virgins believed that
he would soon return, and were content to wait until the time passed, carrying their lamps plus extra oil, just in case. The foolish virgins didn’t believe
that he would come, and whether they didn’t believe only on that day or whether they didn’t believe for many days is circumstantial. The fact is that
they were not ready for the Bridegroom, and they were left out.
We can prevent that from happening in our lives, by knowing what we believe and acting on it every day of our lives. When He comes will He find faith?

Matthew 25:13 (KJV)
13”Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
The Bridegroom is coming!
TER
QUICK QUOTES:
“God is not always a GOD of Immediate justice, but he is a GOD of ultimate justice.”
John Blanchard
“Sometimes Satan comes as a lion to devour, but often he comes as a serpent to deceive.”
Warren W. Wiersbe
“A sheep will never imitate a wolf; but a wolf will imitate a sheep. Impostors or perpetrators seldom have the upright character WHICH deems it desirous
of duplicating or imitating.” TER
The Church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones, a nursery for the care of the weak
ones, a hospital for the healing of those who need assiduous care. Henry W. Beecher
Submitted by: SLC
“If a star fell each time I thought of you, the sky would be empty.”
From: “GOD Came Near” by Max Lucado an acknowledgment to his wife, Denalyn
Submitted by BMcC (Welcome back!)
“Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been.“
From: “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers
“Many people mistake a good case of conviction for conversion.” (Unknown)
“The man who criticizes offerings is the man who does not give.” (Unknown)
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what
God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NIV).

MILLSTONE…FORBID THEM NOT! HOME GROWN CARROTS…WHEW!
Quite often I think about the well manicured garden in the back yard of our home, as a youngster. When the garden comes into mind, as a matter of course,
the growth of wisdom also replays its symphony of lessons taught . . . not to be forgotten.
My younger brother and I had the run of the backyard, and there were times when we just had to get into that garden, with our tiny Morton salt shakers.
Mom told us not to bother the tomatoes, and there were a few other premature plants that we weren’t allowed to sample; but the carrots were free for the
pulling, grabbing and eating. They were so good. In those days the carrots were as long as our hands, and as sweet as dessert. We couldn’t wait! We’d
get some newspaper, wet it, so we could take the dirt off of our treasures; who could wait to climb the stairs to wash the discovered treasures – hunger
hurts – grab, wipe, salt it down, and eat! Yeah. Yeah!
A carrot tells its own story from the depth of the ground. Before it is ready to harvest, it has no color in the ground; but when it is ready, you can
see the orange color and the size of the edible goodness. Yum. Yum! We even found a radish, but they aren’t as thrilling as a carrot. Oh yeah, and
we could break off a stalk of the celery. We took our treasures to our own secret spot, under the back porch, and thoroughly enjoyed the rich goodness
of Mom’s garden. It doesn’t take much to fill the bellies of youngsters, and we weren’t greedy… most of the time. This day, however, we decided to get
just one more carrot and divide it so off we went to get another sweet delectable carrot – home grown, dirt and all.
We found a big one that evidently we overlooked. It didn’t quite match the pulling criteria, but it was big, and we could certainly share. It took a
lot of pulling to get that carrot out of the ground. Oh well it would be worth it. We finally got it up, and couldn’t believe our eyes. No wonder Mom
had planted this carrot in a different place. She probably grew this one just for herself, and her cooking pots. Quickly we prepared this great booty
for consumption. Mom taught us never to eat after one another, so we broke it in half. A piece for me and a piece for my brother. Measure it and make
sure it is even. Today you get the big piece; tomorrow I get the big piece.
We were quiet, except for the unheard rhythm of our gleeful hearts, and the sound of my brother’s biting and munching the big carrot. I asked him was
it good? I thought he nodded his head. It seemed that he was having a real emotional moment. Surely he couldn’t be crying. This must be some kind of
good carrot.
I was salting down my carrot; I couldn’t wait to have the experience of enjoying this carrot that had to taste like an apple. My brother in the peak of
emotional bliss just jumped from his position, and ran down the driveway. He was unpredictable.
I proceeded to bite into this great carrot. Well… It… Was… Wait, one more bite. It was hot! My eyes began to water, my nose started running, my ears
felt as if they were intended to flap in the air like wings, my whole mouth, tonsils, and esophagus were on fire, my belly was closing for fear of the
exploding fire bomb that was fast approaching. I, like my absent little brother, went running down the driveway to the nearest water faucet, where I found
my brother running water into his mouth like a camel in the desert. I couldn’t talk. I just put my face under the flowing water, mouth, also open, looking
for comfort. My tears were now mixed with the cooling water.
We were both wet from head to foot. My brother was as red as a beet (which we should have eaten instead of that big carrot), and he asked me, the older
sister. “What’s the matter with that carrot?”
I couldn’t answer him then, but even to this day I can tell you that big, white carrots are NOT carrots, they are ‘horse radishes’ and they are NOT FOR
the grabbing, salting and the eating . . . Home grown. TER
THINK ON THESE THINGS: ‘WHAT’S NEXT TO DO?”
June 8th 2010
If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).
Be determined to know more than others. If you yourself do not cut the lines that tie you to the dock, God will have to use a storm to sever them and to
send you out to sea. Put everything in your life afloat upon God, going out to sea on the great swelling tide of His purpose, and your eyes will be opened.
If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your time in the calm waters just inside the harbor, full of joy, but always tied to the dock. You have
to get out past the harbor into the great depths of God, and begin to know things for yourself—begin to have spiritual discernment.
When you know that you should do something and you do it, immediately you know more. Examine where you have become sluggish, where you began losing interest
spiritually, and you will find that it goes back to a point where you did not do something you knew you should do. You did not do it because there seemed
to be no immediate call to do it. But now you have no insight or discernment, and at a time of crisis you are spiritually distracted instead of spiritually
self-controlled. It is a dangerous thing to refuse to continue learning and knowing more.
The counterfeit of obedience is a state of mind in which you create your own opportunities to sacrifice yourself, and your zeal and enthusiasm are mistaken
for discernment. It is easier to sacrifice yourself than to fulfill your spiritual destiny, which is stated in Romans 12:1–2. It is much better to fulfill
the purpose of God in your life by discerning His will than it is to perform great acts of self-sacrifice. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice …”
(1 Samuel 15:22). Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been. “If anyone
wills to do His will, he shall know …” (John 7:17).
From: “My Utmost for His Highest: by Oswald Chambers
TESTIMONY TIME: A SURVIVOR WITH A TESTIMONY!
Greetings:
My name is L.L. I am a four year breast cancer survivor. I am married with two daughters, one granddaughter and a dear, sweet, beloved daughter who passed
some time ago. I am delighted to share with you, my story, my experience, my testimony of survival in hopes that it will encourage you and/or your loved
ones.
Let me start by saying it is so very important that you have and maintain a support system. Mine is my faith, the love and support of my family and friends
and having an optimistic attitude that has sustained me.
In September 2005 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. When I was told I had this disease. all I could do was cry (of course) and think about losing part
of my body. A very sensual part I might add. I was at a loss for words. A thousand. things ran across my mind all at once. I did, not want to lose my breast!
I did not want to feel or look disfigured. I didn't know what do, what to think, which way to turn.
Finally, when I regained some composure, I contacted, my older sister who had recently gone through the same thing, only she had it a little bit worse,
because she had to do chemotherapy. Upon, speaking with her she reminded me of the encouraging word I spoke to her during her time of hardship, and that
was, "GOD is in control of all things at all times, and if He has allowed this to come upon us, he has already provided a way for us to get through it.
His Grace is sufficient." It was at that very moment that I realized that I was speaking to a 1 year survivor (who is now a 6 year survivor) and I began
to feel somewhat better.

After consultation with my doctors and the support of my family I made the decision to have the mastectomy and reconstruction. To make a long story short,
all went well until I went back for one of my follow up visits in September 2006 and my doctor hit me with the same news again! Yes! I had cancer in the
other breast as well. Words cannot explain how I felt. Though I was overwhelmed, this time I took the high road. Standing on my faith and GOD’S word,
and with the support of my family and friends, once again, I made the decision to have the other breast removed as well. This surgery and reconstruction
did not go as smoothly as the first and it was a long and painful road to recovery the second time. Nevertheless, I am here, I am healthy, I am happy,
I am loved. I am a survivor!!
You know, sometimes there are things you just don’t get or understand until you have gone through them. For me, like I said in the beginning, the most
I could think about is losing my breast. I now realize that not having them does not make me any less of a woman. Actually, it has empowered me! Empowered
me to know that I am still the same woman I was inside before I was diagnosed.
-A woman who nurtures, and is kind.
-A woman who will listen and comfort
-A woman who supports, protects and prays for her family on a daily basis.
-A woman who loves unconditionally.
Having breast cancer is not a conclusion of life. For me, it’s only an unexpected interruption in the process of life, that I was allowed to go through
to encourage those that I encounter on my journey who may be going through the same thing. It is my hope that my story has encouraged you.
NOTE: This testimony was submitted to TJIFA, a free Internet Newsletter by L.L. in June 2010. This bilateral mastectomy survivor wants the world to know
that there is life after mastectomy, and she is living proof. We, here at TJIFA, want to congratulate L.L., and thank her for her dynamic testimony which
gives Our Lord and Savior, credit for His Grace. Again, TJIFA and Staff thank you, L.L.
Edited by TJIFA staff.
TER)
FRIDAY’S WORD:
STEWARDSHIP Utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation.
Old Testament Stewardship Stewardship permeates the pages of the Bible because how we respond to God is at the heart of the Book. Often, stewardship is
thought of only in terms of finances, but the Bible teaches that stewardship is a far greater concept, involving how we respond with all of our life to
Him who is the giver and sustainer of life?
When God created humans, He made them to have “dominion” over all of the earth (Gen. 1:26). Dominion was not intended to be domination or exploitation.
Dominion was God’s call for human beings to be good and gracious managers of God’s creation. Unfortunately, the sin of humanity interrupted God’s plans
for His world. Humankind became selfish, seeing the world as a means to its own self-centered ends. The things of the world were now seen as possessions
with humans as owners, not as God’s stewards. God’s intention for His world did not change. He still desired that people see God as the Lord of everything
and themselves as the managers of God’s creation.
New Testament Stewardship The call to absolute commitment to Christ is the central theme of the New Testament (Mark 8:34-36). Jesus asked for obedience
to God’s original intention for the world. Jesus was calling for a radical reversal of the world’s values (profit) and a revolutionary return to God’s
purpose (lose life for My sake). Jesus never seemed to be satisfied with a slice of the pie of our obedience. He did not rejoice in the tithe or a big
offering as much as He did in the sacrificial, complete giving of a widow. but Jesus called all disciples to absolute surrender of ourselves and our substance
to Him.
The early church certainly saw all that it had as a gift from God for the good of each other. “and the multitude of them that believed were of one heart
and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common” (Acts 4:32).
Of course, our economic system and sheer numbers of people today prevent this kind of complete sharing, but the amazing thing was the attitude of the church
members to what they possessed. They saw none of it as their own. All of it came from the loving heart of God. That is why the sin of selfishness of Ananias
and Sapphira was so serious (Acts 5).
The apostle Paul preached and taught a single-minded commitment to Christ. He reminded the Philippians that the source of thanksgiving was not in things
but in our relationship to God in Christ (Phil. 3:13-14).
Thus, the New Testament concept of stewardship centers in our commitment to Jesus Christ. When He becomes our Lord, He becomes Lord of our time, talents,
finances, and everything. We realize that we are not our own, but we are bought with a price.
Charles Bugg From: Holman’s Bible DictionaryIN THE MIRROR: HOW DO YOU DEFINE ‘CHURCH?’
“The Church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones, a nursery for the care of the
weak ones, a hospital for the healing of those who need assiduous care.” Henry W. Beecher
My goal in writing this today is to share with you what God impressed upon my soul when reading such a profound description of what most depicts my life
in Christ Jesus.
I will carefully try and describe to you, interwoven into the fabric of this article, my personal testimony, and the love and honor I have for our church,
and our ministry in Christ Jesus. Even though I may write this on much of a personal note; I wonder how many will find themselves either agreeing, or in
disagreement. I’m not sure as you read this article, you will find much room for any ‘middle-ground.’
When reading anyone’s book, a magazine article, auto-biography, or a simple quotation, we tend to listen more, or less intently, based upon our knowledge
of the character, and what we know about that individual. That would explain why I wanted you to be able to look into the life of Henry Ward Beecher, and
to accept the fact that he was qualified to put such descriptive words together, that, I believe, tell a comprehensive story of what the true Church of
Jesus Christ is composed of:
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887), American clergyman and abolitionist, one of the most popular preachers of his day.
The son of Lyman Beecher, Henry was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, on June 24, 1813, and educated at Amherst College and at the Lane Theological Seminary.
In 1847, after serving as pastor to Presbyterian congregations in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and Indianapolis, Indiana, he became the pastor of the Plymouth
Church of the Pilgrims in Brooklyn, New York. He held this post for the rest of his life and became one of the most famous pulpit orators and lecturers
in American history. His theological views were fairly orthodox, but he attracted and held huge audiences in the United States and England with his brilliant
speeches and leadership at services and revival meetings and by his espousal of such controversial causes as the biological theory of evolution and scientific
historical study of biblical texts.
One of the earliest and best-known supporters of the abolitionists, Beecher was also an effective proponent of women's rights, particularly woman suffrage.

From 1861 to 1863 he was editor in chief of the Independent, a religious and political periodical largely devoted to these causes, and from 1870 to 1881
he edited The Christian Union (later The Outlook), a similar publication. In 1874 Beecher's former friend and successor as editor of the Independent, the
American journalist and writer Theodore Tilton, brought suit for damages against him, charging that Beecher had committed adultery with Tilton's wife.
A trial held in that year ended in a disagreement by the jury, leaving Beecher's reputation uncleared, and although later investigations, including an
investigation by a council of Congregational churches, fully exonerated him, his later years remained clouded by the scandal. He died in Brooklyn, on March
8, 1887.
Beecher's published works comprise mainly reprinted sermons, lectures, and magazine articles. His other writings include the novel Norwood; or, A Tale
of Village Life in New England (1867) and The Life of Jesus the Christ (4 volumes, 1871-91).
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2006. © 1993-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
My comments are not going to be found in a chronological manner, but just to write with as much impact as necessary, and as possible; pertaining to one
of the most accurate quotations that I would have loved to come up with first.
For starters, the word “imperfect” always catches my attention because it is not just descriptive of my character since my call to ministry in 1985, but
it still describes me today, as I serve as pastor an imperfect group of people (whom I love with all my heart), and we all seem to agree upon the perfection
which is found in Christ Jesus, and to come to believe in His ability to make us become something we could never be apart from Him. I base that upon:
John 1:12 - 13 (KJV) 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were
born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 14:17 (KJV) 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth
with you, and shall be in you.
John 17:21 (KJV) 21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that
thou hast sent me.
These are only a few, but the gospel is replete with this understanding from God.

In hoping to come as close as I could to Henry W. Beecher’s idea of “eminent Christians,” I first consulted Encarte: eminent; adjective:
1. of high standing: superior in position, fame, or achievement
2. noticeable: easy to see or notice
3. high: in a high or raised position
My purpose for going about it this way, is to maintain your confidence that these are words that should not go unnoticed in our Christian heritage. I think
that Henry W. Beecher saw pretty much the same out-of-proportion picture of Christianity that we see here in America today. One reason for my statement
is that I don’t see very many people following Jesus’ words in:
Mark 8:34 - 38 (KJV) 34And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the
gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37Or what shall a man give
in exchange for his soul? 38Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the
Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Another question I would like to put along with that is; “When people see me, are they supposed to see me as someone who has mastered some great thing in
my life, or should I be looked upon as there being some-thing, or Someone much greater than myself, that I can proudly call, ‘Master?’” I don’t know about
you, but I am able to catch the ‘Christian Broadcast Network’ (CBN), and from everything I see — the persecutions, the martyrdoms, the homes and churches
being burned down, the people willing to die for their rights to be Christians — I see first century Christianity. And according to what I read of that
era, the persecuted church was the powerful church. We cannot change the meaning of Christianity because we happen to live in one part of the world, and
‘they’ live on another part. The people whom you may, or may not be praying for or caring anything about are your brothers and sisters in Christ.
A “nursery” is by general definition; a place where children are cared for, or it is commonly also known for a place where young plants are grown. Either
way, I like Henry W. Beecher’s observation of the church being, “ a nursery for the care of the weak . . ”
It reminds me how in my young adult life, I think I went running back to church went I began to realize just how weak I was in trying to accomplish anything
of any real moral value. Being a sinner was the easiest thing I knew to do. I found out if you just didn’t do anything, sin never had a problem finding
something to occupy your time. But also in letting go like that (effortless), I couldn’t learn anything about Jesus either; and He alone was Someone who
I really needed. I can trace that back to my mother sending my sister and I to Sunday School and church when we were little kids. It’s good to get church
into your bloodstream when you’re young and mostly innocent because that seed has been properly planted, and that’s the ‘Seed’ that we have in Christ Jesus,
who is the Word of God (John 1:1-5).
Whenever a kind word may reach my ears that is complimentary in any form or fashion, I realize deep down in my heart that that credit goes directly to
God in Christ. This is not some kind of pious statement, no more than Paul’s words in 2nd Corinthians 12:10 where he states, “. . . :for when I am weak,
then I am strong.” Or, what he writes in (Romans 7:18-25), is just pure down-right honest confession of the struggle that goes along with the conversion
of the person who has wholeheartedly given their entire life to Jesus. I am not looking forward to the times of defeat that you experience along the way,
but to the victory and triumph that the Christian life culminates in (2nd Timothy 4:5-8). The word “suffer” is found in the New Testament 64 times; “suffering”
10 times. If you really want to be inspired in your own Christian life, sit down and read and look for the context how God used this word to give us an
honest appraisal of what it’s truly like to follow Christ. I love the rewards of His Coming.(That’s the SHOUT right there, in case you missed it.) Thank
God for ‘nurseries.’

What about ‘hospitals?’ I’m glad you asked! Personally, I never remember having a whole lot of fun going to the hospital, and I’ve unfortunately been in
a few. But now, I guess you might say, I like the idea of being ‘hospitalized,’ due to the “assiduous” care given me by Christ Jesus. My whole being, spirit–
mind– soul– and body are in great need of the ‘healing’ process that only the comfort of the Holy Spirit can administer. Can you tell I’m getting a lot
of enjoyment out of writing behind Henry W. Beecher? It’s not only because his words were so penetrating to my mind, but what also takes place within is,
“Wow! I wonder what it would do if I were able to put what I believe he had in mind when he came up with these words, and be able to give some type of
personal testimony to someone else – like God has done so wonderfully for me?” So, if you read it, you also know first-hand why I wrote it. Now I invite
you to join me in what so many honest believers have viewed as being, “The ‘true’ vision of the Church of Jesus Christ,” and I’ll see you when we get there!
God Bless, SLC

O TASTE & SEE!

OLD FASHIONED TEA CAKES

INGREDIENTS:

1 HEAPING CUP SUGAR
2 EGGS
3 TBLSPS. BUTTERMILK
1/2 TSP. SALT
1 CUP BUTTER
1 TSP. SODA
3 CUPS FLOUR (ALL PURPOSE)
1 TBLSP. VANILLA

DIRECTIONS:
CREAM BUTTER & SUGAR
ADD EGGS
ADD ALTERNATELY DRY INGREDIENTS& MILK/VANILLA/ MIXTURE.
SPOON DROP ABOUT A TBLSP. IN SIZE, ONTO A LIGHTLY GREASED COOKIE SHEET AND SPRINKLE SUGAR ON TOP.
BAKE AT 350 DEGREES F. FOR 8 TO 15 MINUTES, DEPENDING ON HOW LARGE THE CAKES ARE.
SUBMITTED BY BMcC – WE’LL CERTAINLY ENJOY THIS TRIED & TRUE RECIPE FROM: “CELEBRITY COOKBOOK 1985.”